Application Pack of Contents

Letter from the Bishop of Introduction Main Responsibilities Person Specification About our Diocese

Page 2 The The Rt Revd Bishop’s House Hereford • HR49BN t: 01432 271355 e: [email protected] w: www.hereford.anglican.org

September 2020

The -

Thank you for your interest in this post.

Hereford Diocese covers a large area that includes the County of , South and parishes in the surrounding area; a few across the border in . We face all the opportunities and challenges of ministry with a relatively small number of people living in a very rural area. As a Church we are seeking to proclaim the love and teaching of Jesus Christ, make disciples and bring life and hope as we share the Good News. As a Diocese we are seeking appropriate ways to change and develop so that we meet the needs of the whole community that we serve.

I am looking for a colleague who will help us shape the vision and work collaboratively with us to grow the church. We are looking to grow in every benefice by attracting people of all ages and backgrounds. Our aim is a mixed economy of worship in each deanery. We seek to enable people to be disciples and to see lives changed across the diocese and beyond.

Our vision is underpinned by prayer and a desire to note where God is at work. My desire is to make the most of new opportunities and use the creative energy and generosity of people in the diocese to resource the church and its people.

As we move forward we are very much aware of the need to achieve a realistic budget and a generous response from parish giving. We have responded to the National Church Funding opportunities as we look for ways to share the gospel with each generation. It is important that we remain focused and recognise the urgency of the task.

The Archdeacon is a key person in our strategic leadership team. We can offer you a demanding role with immense creative potential. You would be joining a team committed to the life and work of the rural church. I would want you to be able to develop your ministry as you grow and serve the church.

With all good wishes,

The Right Reverend Richard Jackson Introduction

The Archdeacon of Ludlow Key areas of the job: • To share with the Bishop in leadership Following the retirement of Bishop Alistair, the in relation to the Shared Priorities of the diocese conducted an extensive consultation about Diocese strategy “Proclaiming Christ, the needs and specifications of the role. Uniquely Growing Disciples” and particularly in the in the from 1991 the post mission and ministry of the Archdeaconry of holder had been both Archdeacon and . • To have particular responsibilities for: Ludlow. The overwhelming response was that the • To work with the Bishop’s Staff Team, combined role no longer worked, especially in the Deanery Leadership Teams and others in light of changes in clergy discipline over the past promoting and implementing an agreed few years. Given the size of the diocese, it was hard vision, strategy and policy for the Diocese of to justify separate roles, and following discussion Hereford. with the Dioceses Commission it was decided to • To work with the Bishop and the Archdeacon leave the See of Ludlow vacant and replace the role of Hereford in ensuring an effective clergy appointment process, and to share with a full time Archdeacon. The role will thus be responsibility for the pastoral care of clergy somewhat broader that might normally be expected and their families. of an Archdeacon, including oversight and strategic • To have an awareness of the vision and responsibilities. As this role effectively replaces a strategy of the Church of England, especially part time episcopal one, funding will continue to be the Renewal and Reform programme. from the episcopal budget rather than the Diocesan • To work within the framework of relevant Board of Finance. We believe this presents a ecclesiastical and secular law. • To work within the principles governing stimulating challenge to the right person. The extra the alteration of church buildings and of responsibilities are realistic given the Archdeaconry best practice in respect of re-ordering for of Ludlow has only 40 benefices. the purposes of mission and according to principles of excellence The comprehensive role description is intended to showcase the wide range and creative potential of this demanding ministry. The new archdeacon will We welcome applications from all suitably be given every opportunity and support to develop qualified clergy. However, as Black, Asian and their gifts and ministry as a member of a team of Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals and women are people dedicated to sharing the gospel. There is currently under-represented within the Diocese scope for adjusting the portfolio of responsibility in senior team - we would particularly welcome consultation with the Bishop and Archdeacon of applications from women and BAME candidates. Ludlow. Page 4 Main Responsibilities

People and Relationships

1. To be responsible for building good relationships with parishes and key lay people through:

• Ensuring that the voice of the parishes is heard in Diocesan committees and groups; • Being an advocate for generous Parish Offers and encouraging sign up to the Parish Giving Scheme. • Visiting and sharing in the life and worship of local churches; • Helping parishes, benefices and deaneries to rise to the challenge of growing churches by developing changing patterns of ministry in the face of reduced numbers of stipendiary clergy; • Inspiring the work of the support (sector) ministers, especially the Intergenerational Missioners;

2. To share the responsibility for the pastoral care of clergy, their families and others ministering in the Archdeaconry by:

• Working with the Bishop and the to ensure clergy are effectively supported and cared for, particularly the newly instituted and licensed; • Building good relationships with clergy and their families; • Ensuring that the Bishop is aware of the needs and concerns of clergy and people; • Working creatively to seek reconciliation in difficult and conflicted situations; • Working collegially with diocesan office staff. • Being prepared to make difficult decisions and enable change where necessary;

Page 5 Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organisation

1. To work collaboratively with groups, teams and committees by:

• Contributing to the development and • Chairing the Inter-Generational Ministers implementation of strategy for the Diocese; project board and responsible for helping to • Understanding and interpreting the current identify future context for IMs to be deployed Diocesan vision and Shared Priorities; within the Archdeaconry. • Supporting the development of the Diocesan • Learning with and from others; and Deanery MAPs; • Supporting Deanery Leadership teams in creating Deanery Pastoral Plans

2. Exercise leadership within the archdeaconry and other areas of responsibility through:

• Working with, developing and encouraging • Chairing the Diocesan Mission & Pastoral the Rural Deans and Lay Chairs; committee jointly with the Archdeacon of • Supporting, envisioning and enabling the Hereford Deanery Leadership teams; • Organising and leading Annual Visitations in • Working creatively with the Diocesan Advisory the Deaneries, including the swearing in of Committee for the Care of Churches as churchwardens; member of the team; • Organising and leading Triennial Inspections • Influencing and enabling change where in the Deaneries assisted by the rural deans necessary to encourage church growth; • Promoting training of churchwardens and • Overseeing and shaping approaches to others; Mission Action Plans, being church and • Being able to challenge and seek ways to patterns of ministry in the archdeaconry; resolve conflict; • Shaping and supporting pastoral • Challenging poor behaviours and seeking to reorganisation; unlock barriers in parishes; • Chairing the Ludlow Archdeaconry Mission • Setting the tone for the effective use of our and Pastoral sub-Committee meetings; abundant Church buildings for mission.

Page 6 Main Responsibilities

3. To lead in the appointment of clergy to parochial vacancies in the Archdeaconry by:

• Building relationships with patrons, parish • Supporting Rural Deans, congregations representatives and churchwardens in and Local Ministry Groups in ensuring that appointment and interview processes. vacancies are an opportunity for reflection, • Working with the Bishop to operate an creativity and vision; effective process when posts fall vacant to ensure the Archdeaconry is resourced for mission;

4. To undertake the statutory responsibilities in relation to the appropriate Measures, in the Canons and the Church Representation Rules.

5. To have the specific responsibility for:

• Oversight and line management of the Lead Intergenerational Missioner, Local Ministry Officer and Church in Society Link Officer. • Board of Education oversight and support and a member of the committees that support and serve our Church schools. • Chair of the Clergy Wellbeing group that oversees the pastoral care and support of our clergy.

6. To be responsible for:

• Ensuring that all health and safety • Your own personal ministerial growth and requirements are met for activities, and development, spiritual direction and on-going office premises, for which the Archdeacon is training; responsible and that care is taken to ensure • understanding and applying the National safety for self and colleagues, reporting Church Safeguarding Policy and the Diocesan concerns immediately, whether inside or Safeguarding Policy; beyond the Diocese. Page 7 Main Responsibilities

Other details

• This is a full-time stipendiary post held under Common Tenure. • The appointment is subject to a satisfactory outcome of an application for DBS • enhanced disclosure. • A Statement of Particulars will be provided on appointment, including the following information:

Stipend Expenses of Office

The stipend for the Archdeacon, of £36,830, The episcopal office will reimburse approved following guidance from the Central Stipends working expenses. Authority. The post will carry membership of the Church of England Funded Pensions Scheme. Holidays

Housing 36 days annual leave every year to include 6 Sundays free of duties. A house will be provided in the Archdeaconry. The house includes space for a study and the Training ability to work from home. The costs of Council Tax and Water Charges will be met from the A structured programme induction, training and episcopal budget. appropriate support will be offered.

Admin support and office accommodation Closing date for applications: October 2nd Interview dates : October 21st and 22nd The Archdeacon has a part time Personal Assistant,

Page 8 Person Specification

For Archdeacon of Ludlow The person specification describes the skills, knowledge, attributes and experience which a person will need to have, or be able to acquire, in order to fulfil the responsibilities well. Prerequisites for any application: 1. Candidates must be free to remain and work in the UK with no immigration restrictions – You will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to remain and work in the UK if you are invited to interview. 2. An ordained priest within the Church of England, or a Church in communion with it, or a Church whose orders it recognises with a minimum of six years in Holy Orders. 3. Designated at selection or Candidates’ Panel as Incumbent Status (post-2009) or Stipendiary Ministry 4. Ability to drive and travel throughout the Diocese and nationally to attend events and meetings

Personal qualities and skills E or D Personal qualities A vibrant and attractive Christian faith sustained by deep prayer and biblical E engagement. Committed to the task of mission, particularly the imperative to lead people to personal E faith in Christ and on into discipleship. Committed to the task of mission, particularly the imperative to lead people to personal E faith in Christ and on into discipleship. Attentive and intuitive listener with the emotional and relational intelligence to discern E people and situations. Self-aware and possessing a pastoral concern for others and their personal and E professional development At ease with the delegation of power and control E A well-rounded person who has a life outside the church. E

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Skills Managerially and administratively competent E Able to lead sensitive and sometimes hostile meetings of church members and E parishioners, with little opportunity for relationship building first, resulting in positive outcomes. Willing and able to make difficult decisions and to stand their ground where E appropriate. Ability to assimilate the complexities of the law of the Church of England and the E details of Faculty Jurisdiction and procedure; to work closely with lawyers, architects and surveyors; and to understand and interpret architects’ drawings and specifications Able to actively encourage the pioneering and entrepreneurial. D Able to add value to the ‘Whole Diocese’ strategy and its implementation, including D work with 20s-30s, and empowering laity. Proven Experience and Competencies An imaginative, creative and engaging communicator of the gospel, theologically E articulate, generous and accessible. A person with broad and significant experience of parochial ministry. E Understanding of, empathy with, and ability to lead inspiring worship within the full E range of social context and church tradition encountered in Hereford Diocese (and specifically in the Archdeaconry of Ludlow). It will be particularly important to have empathy with our rural context and be alert to the challenges of ministry there. A person who can demonstrate a highly collaborative style of working and think E imaginatively in developing vision, strategy and policy for the diocese. An understanding of education structures in the Church or England alongside a D commitment to life-long learning for all. Experience of working with different traditions in the Church D A person who has led, supported and enabled significant change. D

Page 10 About our Diocese

The Diocese of Hereford is the Church of England in Herefordshire, south Shropshire and some parishes in , and .

About 12,800 people worship regularly at our more than four hundred churches, led by more than a hundred clergy.

There are 78 schools and academies in the Diocese of Hereford, most of which are primary schools but 3 are secondary schools. These schools nurture and educate approximately 11,850 children.

We passionately want more people to come to know Jesus Christ in their lives, our diocesan strategy is underpinned by our commitment that we are ‘Proclaiming Christ, Growing Disciples’ www.hereford.anglican.org/documents/diocesan-profile/ Page 11